p> Unethical and incompetent behavior in the helping professions has been a problem since psychotherapists drilled holes in skulls of the mentally afflicted to let demons escape, in 10,000 B.C. A few hundred years ago, bloodletting, with burning, and flagellation were accepted methods of treatment for those with behavioral disorders. King Charles II expired after receiving a treatment which included having a int of blood extracted and an enema administered. A fifteenth-century handbook of psychotherapy recommended trial by swimming as a diagnostic device for abnormality. The right thumb was tied to the left toe, the left thumb was tied to the right toe, and the patient was submerged into a deep lake; sinking meant innocent, floating meant abnormal to be burned at the stake (Van Hoose & Kottler, 1985, pp. 111-112).
The development of a code of ethical standards for psychology became necessary as times changed and the field grew and broadened its professional activities. Psychologists felt the need for the formulation of standards for professional practice to ensure public welfare, promote quality relationships with allied professions, reduce misunderstands, and encourage professional standing and the highest endeavors of group members. In 1940, a Committee on Scientific and Professional Ethics stated that it would be premature to legislate a code and the Association should have a standing committee to investigate unethical practices and form rules or principles from time to time. By 1947, the committee reported that it was now time to formulate guiding principles for the rapidly growing profession of psychology (Hobbs, 1948, pp. 80-81).
Some psychologists looked to the Principles of Medical Ethics as a foundation for the construction of a code of ethics for psychology. Others stated that this would not be applicable to problems incurred and would not provide real guidance to psychologists. Psychologists wanted a code th...